Sam Magri has secured his first Malta U-21 call-up after the England-based defender was named in Silvio Vella’s 18-man squad for the UEFA U-21 Championship qualifier away to Belgium today week.

Magri, who got hold of his Maltese passport in August, had been included in the initial Malta U-21 squad for last month’s away qualifiers against the Czech Republic (1-4) and Montenegro (0-0) but he reportedly asked to be left out of the final selection due to issues with his English club, Dover Athletic.

The situation has since changed as Magri, who has represented England at youth level, has confirmed his readiness to join up with the Malta U-21 squad ahead of their daunting clash with Belgium who are top of Group One with a maximum six points from two qualifiers.

Malta have also made a very encouraging start after gaining five points from their opening four qualifiers, all played away from home.

A notable absentee from Vella’s squad is Hibernians goalkeeper Jurgen Borg who has not featured for club and country since suffering an injury on the eve of the goalless draw against Montenegro.

Borg has been replaced by Yenz Cini, now with Mosta.

Malta U-21 squad

Goalkeepers: Yenz Cini (Mosta), Matthew Calleja Cremona (Floriana).

Defenders: Cain Attard (Birkirkara); Emanuel Briffa (Floriana); Sam Magri (Dover Athletic); Daniel Zerafa, Brandon Muscat (both Tarxien Rainbows).

Midfielders: Terence Agius (Balzan); Johann Bezzina (Sliema Wan-derers); Conor Borg (Floriana); Ryan Camenzuli (Birkirkara); Kyle Cesare (Pietà Hotspurs); Llywelyn Cremona (Valletta); Matthew Guillaumier (St Andrew’s).

Forwards: Jurgen Degabriele, Joseph Mbong (both Hibernians); Luke Montebello (Tarxien Rainbows); Kurt Zammit (Birkirkara).